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	Winter Weather - Elements & Definitions


	Snow The word snow in a NWS forecast, without a qualifying word such as occasional or intermittent, means that the fall of snow will be of a steady nature, and will probably continue for several hours without letup. Snow flurries, are defined as snow falling for short durations at intermittent periods. Although visibility may be reduced at times, any accumulations will be small. Snow showers and snow squalls are brief, intense falls of snow and are comparable to summer rain showers. Squalls are accompanied by gusty surface winds. Blowing and drifting snow generally occur together and result from strong winds and falling snow, or loose snow on the ground. Blowing snow is defined as snow lifted from the surface by the wind and blown about to a degree that horizontal visibility is greatly restricted. Drifting snow is used to indicate that strong winds will blow the snow into significant drifts. Blizzards are the most dramatic and perilous of all winter storms, characterized by strong winds bear


	Ice Freezing rain or freezing drizzle is rain or drizzle occurring when surface temperatures are below freezing. The moisture falls in liquid form, but freezes upon impact, resulting in a coating of an icy glaze on all exposed objects. This can range from a thin glaze, to ice of several inches thick. A heavy accumulation of ice, especially when accompanied by high winds, devastates trees and transmission lines. Sleet (ice pellets) can be easily identified as frozen rain drops which bounce when hitting the ground or other objects. Sleet does not stick to trees or power lines, but sleet in sufficient depth does cause hazardous driving conditions. Any road-icing condition is extremely hazardous, as most drivers and pedestrians understand. Sometimes, precipitation does not occur, yet icing becomes a serious tragedy. Snow on roadways may become melted with traffic, which then refreezes as ice, and is polished by the automobile tires, turning the roadway into a veritable skating rink. This condition is known as Black Ice.


	Words of Warning Winter Storm Watch means that severe winter weather conditions may affect your area. This will include the elements of freezing rain, sleet, or heavy snow, which may occur separately or in combination. Winter Storm Warning Severe winter weather conditions are imminent. Blizzard Warning Considerable falling and/or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours. High Wind Warning Sustained winds of at least 40 miles per hour or gusts of at least 50 miles per hour are expected to last for at least 1 hour.